Lahaina is the hotspot on Maui's west coast, and has been an important center on Maui for centuries. Lahaina and coastal waters are protected on the east by Puu Kukui and the mountains of West Maui and by the island of Lanai on the west. These calm lee waters attract boaters, sun bathers, and whales, and make Lahaina Maui's place to be.

Lahaina is a town, but also a reference point for a ten-mile stretch of coast north of Lahaina town center up to around Kapalua. The hotels and condos at Kaanapali, Kahana, and Kapaula are like flowers on Lahaina's lei.

Lahaina: Then and Now

Lahaina was a very important area during the days of Hawaii's monarchy, and long before Honolulu, Lahaina was the most important town in Hawaii. The sea at Lahaina is protected from the winds by Puu Kukui in the north and the island of Lanai in the south and has always been the sperm whale's winter feeding grounds. This brought European whalers to both hunt in nearby waters and resupply in town, but when Lahaina's whaling days ended in the 1870s, Lahaina took a long rest.

It wasn't until the 1960s, when jet aircraft brought Hawaii closer to the world, that hotels began to spout up along Lahaina's coast, and today Lahaina offers accomodations ranging from worldclass luxury resorts to affordable condo vacation rentals and everything in between. If you're coming to Maui, Lahaina is the place to be.

Lahaina Hotels

Lahaina's luxury resorts include the Hyatt Regency Maui (more)is an eight-hundred room resort with a waterfall, beachside bar, and all the other amenities that come with luxury, like golf, tennis, health club, etc.

Kaanapali Alii (more) is a cluster of four eleven-story one or two bedroom condominiums, which might suit you if you've got kids or guests, or plan on an active vacation.

Sheraton Maui Hotel (more) is six buildings around gardens right next to Black Rock. This resort offers all the amenities and should suit even the most discriminating guests.

All of the above are in and around Kaanapali Beach, but the Plantation Inn (more) is right down in Lahaina. The suites and rooms are uniquely done in the Southern Plantation style and blend Victorian and eastern funishings into something reminescent of Hawaii's plantation era.

Kaanapali Beach Hotel (more) is priced somewhat below the others, and is a great place on Kaanapali beach. It's probably the most Hawaiian of hotels with hula and ukelele lessons and instruction in making leis.

Pioneer Inn (more) is right in the middle of Lahaina down by the docks. If you want a ringside seat to the nightlife, this is it.

But there are many other fine hotels in Maui's Golden Crescent, and you can browse through the rest here (More hotels in Lahaina)

Lahaina Tour

Lahaina, itself, is a small seaside town less than a mile long and under a half-mile at its widest point, and the main trade is catering to its guests.

Front Street is the hub of Lahaina and runs along the waterfront. It may be hard finding a parking spot around Front Street, but be sure you're legal because illegally parked cars do get towed.

Everything is within easy walking distance in Lahaina and there's no reason to rush around as there are shops, restaurants, and amazing sights throughout Lahaina's compact waterfront.

You could start at the Banyan Tree, the largest meeting tree in Hawaii. You can't miss it at the cornet of Hotel and Front Streets in Lahaina. Then there's the Brick Palace, or the remains of King Kamahameha's residence that was built in 1802 on Market St. Lahaina was Hawaii's capital for centuries.

Don't miss the Baldwin House. It's a coral and stone home of early Christian missionaries that's been restored to its 1830's state. (696 Front St., Lahaina)

And along with sin came jail, so be sure to take a glimpse of Hale Pa`ahao, the old jailhouse at Waine`e and Prison Streets, and Waiola Church is where you'll find Queen Keopuolani, She was buried in the church cemetery in 1823 on Waine'e Street.